Safeway Offers Flu Vaccines In Stores, USA

Main Category: Flu / Cold / SARS
Also Included In: Immune System / Vaccines
Article Date: 29 Oct 2007 - 2:00 PDT

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Safeway Inc. (NYSE: SWY) will offer flu vaccines at all stores in the U.S. Now through February 2008, or while supplies last, flu vaccines will be administered at stores. Most stores will give vaccines on a walk-in basis at in-store pharmacies, while others will conduct scheduled flu shot clinics.

"The beginning of the flu season, October and November, is the best time to get vaccinated to ensure you are covered throughout the entire season," said Dave Fong, Safeway Senior Vice President, Pharmacy. "However, getting vaccinated in December or later can still be beneficial because the flu season can last as late as May."

While anyone wishing to reduce their chances of getting the flu can get vaccinated, the Centers for Disease Control's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices recommends that people in the following categories should get vaccinated each year:

People at high risk for complications from the flu, including:

- Children aged 6 months until their 5th birthday
- Pregnant women
- People 50 years of age and older
- People of any age with certain chronic medical conditions
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities

People who live with or care for those at high risk for complications from flu, including:

- Household members of people at high risk for complications from the flu (see above)
- Household members or caregivers of children less than 6 months of age
- Healthcare workers

A list of stores offering flu and other vaccines can be found at http://www.safeway.com/flu or by contacting a Safeway pharmacy. In the U.S., Medicare Plan B participants not enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan will receive the flu vaccines at no charge.

Safeway also offers full-service adult and adolescent immunization services for the prevention of such ailments as shingles, tetanus, hepatitis, pneumococcal, meningococcal and more. Safeway owns and operates stores under the Vons, Dominick's, Genuardi's, Carrs, Randalls, Tom Thumb, Pak 'n Save and Pavilions banners.

About Safeway

Safeway Inc. is a Fortune 100 company and one of the largest food and drug retailers in North America, based on sales. The company operates 1,738 stores in the United States and western Canada and had annual sales of $40.2 billion in 2006. Safeway supports a broad range of charitable and community programs and last year donated more than $154 million to important causes, such as cancer research, education, food banks and programs focused on assisting people with disabilities. The company's common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol SWY.

http://www.safeway.com

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